Profile: Nestor Albiach | NorthEast United's 'Goal-getter'

Nestor Albiach has the experience of playing in Spain and Czech Republic.

Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC have completed the signing of Spanish target man Nestor Albiach, the club announced on Tuesday. The Spaniard is the club’s third new foreign signing and the fourth player to join in their overseas quota.

He has signed a season-long deal with NorthEast United ahead of the upcoming season. The 30-year-old comes to India with quality pedigree and is expected to be the Highlanders’ first choice striker for the 2023-24 season.

On that note, let us find out a bit more about NorthEast United’s latest import.

Prior Experience

Born and brought up in Xirivella, Spain, Nestor began his career with the youth academy of former La Liga side Levante UD. After spending some time at Levante’s academy, he moved to SC Requena in the 2011-12 season where he made his senior debut. He played 39 games and scored nine goals for the club.

In summer of 2012, Nestor signed for Segunda Division B side CD Olímpic de Xàtiva. After scoring three goals in 20 matches for the side, he was signed by Czech top flight side FK Dukla Prague during the winter transfer window on a two-year deal.

He played more than 80 games for the Czech side and scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists from 2013-2016. He won multiple awards including the best foreign player of the league during his time with Dukla Prague. 

After spending close to three seasons with the club, he agreed terms with another first division side Sparta Prague until the end of the 2018-19 campaign. During his stint with Sparta, he was loaned back to his former club Dukla Prague (in 2018). 

After spending some time in the Czech Republic, he returned to Spain and put pen to paper with third division side CF Badalona. He played 10 games and found the back of the net four times during his stint with the club.

He signed for Spanish second division side CD Numancia on a one-year deal. His time at the club saw him take the field 17 times. However, the striker could only manage a solitary goal. After that, he re-signed for Badalona in the 2020-21 season and played 22 games while scoring four goals to wind up his second stint with the club.

In 2021, he was brought on board by Spanish third division side Rayo Majadahonda on a two-year deal. He played 71 games, scored 10 goals and provided six assists in what has been a wrap up on his time in Spain, albeit for now. 

Type of player

Nestor is a modern-day striker who is equipped with goal-scoring and goal creating skill set. Naturally left footed, he has a decent right foot to show. Just like his Brazilian teammate Ibson Melo, Nestor can also play anywhere across the frontline which gives NorthEast United FC an advantage.

And not just that, he can also operate as second striker, a central attacking midfielder and as a central midfielder too. His versatility coupled with his extraordinary skills is what makes him even more special in Juan Pedro Benali’s side.

He is a good player tactically, comfortable on the ball and initiates link-up play very well. Nestor is an intelligent player who is known to be aware and reacts quickly to his surroundings. He has the hunger to score goals and is very good at exploiting even the tiniest of spaces and gets into goal-scoring positions very often. 

The Spaniard has a deadly left foot and isn’t shy of testing the keeper whenever he gets an opportunity. In short, he is quick, versatile and equipped with vast experience and immense potential.

What does he bring to the team?

Nestor brings so much to the Highlanders’ set up. He has played the beautiful game in different parts of the world and understands dynamics very well. He hasn’t been to Asia before, but expect him to turn up when it matters.

He is a seasoned professional and can lead by example the young guns of Northeast United. Nestor’s knowledge and experience of the game will go a long way in developing the young group of players at the club.

He adds depth and more energy to the Highlanders’ attack ahead of the 2023-24 season. He alongside Ibson Melo will have a huge responsibility to keep things sorted up front. Moreover, the fans will have also have huge expectations from him, given the kind of footballing history he has. Will he deliver? We'll have to wait and watch.